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Council leaders have also agreed to explore the possibility of providing ‘bespoke financial and budgeting advice’ in order to further support care leavers.

The report to cabinet states: “By agreeing [to the exemption] we would be demonstrating our corporate parenting responsibility, by allowing our care leavers to be more in line with the support received by their peer group when leaving home.

“It will recognise the particular vulnerability these young people have as a result of having to leave the safety of care at 18, years before the general population.

“By also agreeing to explore [the provision of financial advice] we would be providing care leavers with both the financial support and education required to make better decisions about money. Together these should support care leavers in developing a solid foundation when leaving care and enable them to be citizens who participate and contribute in the future.”

Once a care leaver is in work, their ability to pay council tax will be assessed against a sliding scale, with those earning less than £14,370 still paying nothing, and those paid £20,000 paying their full liability.

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The cabinet’s decision comes after councillors backed a motion, proposed by councillor Shaun Pender, calling on the authority to explore the proposal last year. Cheshire East Council became one of the first authorities in the country to introduce the exemption in 2016.

Mr Pender said: “I’m really pleased that the council is doing this. One of the most important things a local authority do is look after its most vulnerable residents, and there aren’t many groups who are as disadvantaged as care leavers.

“There will be a small cost to the council, but I think that will be far outweighed by the benefits.”

The Children's Society, which has been campaigning nationally for care leavers to be exempted from paying council tax, welcomed the city council's decision.

Sam Royston, director of policy and research at the Children’s Society, said: "Care leavers have often experienced a really difficult upbringing and they may have experienced abuse, neglect or family breakdown which can have a big impact upon their life chances.

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“Without the family support most young people get as they become adults, care leavers often struggle to juggle their household bills and make ends meet. Many find themselves in debt, or having to go without food or other basic necessities.

“To expect some of the country’s most vulnerable young people to start paying council tax just days after leaving care is setting them up to fail.

“We’re delighted that Stoke-on-Trent City Council is introducing this exemption which will make life easier for many young people making the move into independent living.”